A union has just lost its case against the City of Montreal after accusing it of negotiating in bad faith. The Administrative Labour Tribunal has dismissed the complaint filed by the union, which represents architects and architecture graduates—a local chapter of the Union of Professional and Office Employees (SEPB), affiliated with the FTQ. This union, with about 50 members, alleged that the City of Montreal was stalling negotiations for the renewal of its collective bargaining agreement, engaging in token negotiations, and prioritizing negotiations with other unions. The city is, in fact, bound by about 10 union certifications, some of which represent thousands of workers. It is currently negotiating with major unions, such as those representing blue-collar and white-collar workers. In particular, the union criticized the content of the employer’s proposal, which included several requests to roll back working conditions that it considered important. It also criticized the time it took the employer to submit its list of demands. After hearing the evidence, however, the tribunal dismissed the union’s complaint. “At this stage, the tribunal does not find that the preponderance of the evidence shows that the employer is engaging in a sham negotiation. It is making proposals in line with positions put forward by the union. It is attempting to find solutions. It is proposing various avenues. It is genuinely participating in the dialogue, even though its budgetary constraints are strict,” concluded Administrative Judge Maude Pepin Hallé. “The Tribunal agrees that the negotiations are not proceeding smoothly or as the union would like. There appear to be mutual misunderstandings regarding the current situation.” She noted that while the union is dissatisfied with the pace or substance of the negotiations, it “is not without recourse.” “The code allows it to threaten or call a strike. Admittedly, given the small number of employees it represents, it may be more difficult to establish leverage. But as it points out, it is the architects’ choice to unite only among themselves.” This report by The Canadian Press was first published in French on Sept. 11, 2026.
